BMW and Lexus team up to build new Supercar
BMW and Lexus are reportedly working together to develop a new supercar to take on Audi’s R8. Inside sources say the companies have jointly built an all-wheel-drive, mid-engined prototype of the 800bhp supercar.
BMW and Lexus will each produce versions of the car, which is expected by 2020 and will come with £160K starting price. Both versions will feature an aluminium spaceframe and carbon fibre tub, with the front wheels powered by electric motors and the rear wheels petrol-driven.
Two power units are in devlopment. BMW’s supercar will receive a bespoke M-developed straight-six twin turbo, with plug-in hybrid technology from Toyota, while Lexus is reportedly testing a detuned version of the 513bhp 3.7-litre V8 from Toyota’s TS040 Le Mans race car.
BMW reportedly chose Lexus to partner on the new supercar, as it was impressed with the company’s work on its flagship LFA during the 2008 financial crisis. The economic downturn forced Honda to shelve its V10 NSX, while Toyota also had to suspend development of several new sports models. The Lexus LFA by contrast was released in a limited run of 500 in 2010 with a showroom price in excess of £340,000.
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